Peacockâs “The Traitors” is known for keeping viewers on their toes, and season 4 will be no exception. Between unexpected betrayals, dramatic âmurders,â and a jaw-dropping cast list, the hit series continues to blur the line between strategy and spectacle.Â
But among the upcoming seasonâs many surprises, one name in the recently announced cast has fans especially curious: “Laguna Beach” alum Stephen Colletti. Once vocal about his desire to leave reality TV behind for good, Colletti is now headed to Alan Cummingâs castle in the Scottish Highlands to compete for $250,000. And longtime fans are wondering what changed.
Before ‘The Traitors’ Season 4, Stephen Colletti Said He Was Done With Reality TV
Back in 2018, Colletti made headlines when he told Us Weekly that he had zero interest in revisiting the reality world that made him famous. When asked about the possibility of appearing in a “Laguna Beach” reunion or reboot, he didnât mince words.
âI feel like we want to leave Laguna alone. We had our years,” Colletti said at the time.
He went on to explain that the California coastal town didnât need more exposure and, frankly, neither did he.
âWe were so young back then. It seems like a lifetime ago. Laguna gets enough tourism as it is. We donât need another show bringing more people around during the summer seasons,” Colletti explained.
He also shared that he was blindsided by how he was portrayed on the MTV series. He said that way too much footage was edited out of context.Â
âThere was so much that we shot for a long period of time… and what it wound up being — it was so different. There was a bit of a shock to what the show wound up being,” Colletti admitted.
Stephen Collettiâs Reality TV comeback is a Twist No One Saw Coming
Interestingly enough, Collettiâs blanket ânoâ to reality TV came with a few caveats. In the same 2018 interview, he admitted he might be open to certain types of shows. But only if the situation was right. When asked about potentially appearing on “Very Cavallari,” a reality series led by his former flame Kristin Cavallari, Colletti said he wasnât completely opposed to the idea.
“She was like, âYouâve got to come on the show.â I told her, âMaybe in season 2… If thereâs a twelver and a deer stand and Jay [Cutler] and I are hunting, maybe Iâll come on,ââ Colletti said.
Clearly, his criteria for participation in another reality show included authenticity, plus a little peace and quiet. That same standard may explain why a strategic and more serious reality competition like “The Traitors” finally drew him back in.
Why âThe Traitorsâ Season 4 Was the Right Fit
Unlike “Laguna Beach,” “The Traitors” focuses less on drama and more on gameplay, deceit, and deduction. These elements may have intrigued the now older and wiser Colletti.
With a cast featuring Olympians like Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski, Bravo favorites like Lisa Rinna and Dorinda Medley, and even Donna Kelce (yes, Travis and Jasonâs mom), Colletti doesnât stand out as just another reality TV has-been. Instead, he fits in with the eclectic mix of competitors.
Given his experience with the editing room and the spotlight, Colletti is more prepared than most to navigate the psychological twists of the game. And if his approach to reality TV has evolved, that evolution may serve him well in a show where reading people is everything.
Peacock has not yet announced a premiere date for season 4 of “The Traitors,” but it is expected to land on the streamer in early 2026.
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